How do i properly turn on and test the 4x4 on my truck?

1994 f150 xlt 5.8 4x4

 

Go for a dirt run


Is it manual hubs or auto locking hubs?

 

get in some mud. you can tell if all 4 are spinning. and if you dont want to do that just get someone else to watch and see if the front wheels are spinning too when you put it in 4wd

 

If you don't wanna go out in the mud, you could put your truck up on stands, lock the hubs, put it in 4 wheel and see if they all spin.

Usually if you put it in 4 wheel on a dry road, and turn the wheel back and forth while your driving, you can feel that its working.

Just a couple less dirty ideas....

 

okay but do i just turn on the 4x4 in park before i go into drive ?

idk if its automatic or manual locking hubs, really have no idea about the 4x4 system.

 

Look on the front wheel hubs, manual will have a handle that you have to spin by hand to lock and unlock the hubs for the 4x4. When ever you don't use 4x4, unlock the hubs to decrease wear on them.

Auto hubs are just a flat surface on the hubs, so when you shift into 4x4, the hubs lock and unlock automatically. Unfortunately they are not as reliable as manual hubs but they still do the job.

If its push button 4x4, you can engage it while in gear at a slow speed but be sure your hubs are locked in order for it to work.

If its manual shift 4x4, put vehicle in neutral then 4x4( At least I believe thats the order, thats what i do in my buddies ranger.)

 

Go to neutral then put it in 4x4 then go back to gear

 

okay its manual hubs on my truck with automatic tranny

so i just lock the hubs and engage the 4x4? in park nuetral or drive ?

 

Neutral.

 

okay kool thanks for the help,
will test my 4x4 tomorrow